The Big Bang Theory recap: 'The Explosion Implosion'
A big congratulations to the Wolowitzes for the impending arrival of their bouncing baby boy! Even though Howard admittedly won’t be able to teach his son how to throw a ball or catch a ball, there is a certain comfort in the fact that the little tyke’s father will be able to help him choose the right antacid when the time comes. Also, to Sheldon’s point, Bernadette and Penny will be able to teach him whatever the other guys can’t do. This kid and his sister are set for life!
Howard eventually settles on the perfect activity he will one day do with his son. He decides to build rockets, which piques Sheldon’s interest too. They head to the garage to pick the perfect model for their inaugural quest. While perusing Howard’s multiple rocket options, the guys reminisce about their own fathers. Howard’s dad was MIA, while Sheldon’s dad was disinterested in anything Sheldon did. And poor Raj’s father only bought him a “starter Mercedes” on his 16th birthday. The horror.
Raj is banished indoors for being born with loving parents who were always there for him. He helps Bernadette brainstorm ideas for repurposing little girl clothes for little boy options. A red leotard with a tutu? No problem. Ditch the skirt, add a lighting bolt on the front, and say hello to baby Flash. Or add a T-shirt and call him Baby Sheldon. Here’s hoping the writers actually follow through with this genius idea, because Sheldon holding Baby Sheldon will definitely be my new screensaver.
Howard starts to spiral downward, fearful that his kids’ father doesn’t even know how to properly build a rocket. Raising a boy is hard. With the absolute worst timing, Sheldon points out that Howard doesn’t know much about girls either. Cue the panic attack.
Sheldon realizes he’s not being helpful, so he insists on listing different reasons why Howard should feel good. As far as launches go, this one was bad, but if we are grading on an explosion scale, this was off the charts! Howard continues to mope, so Sheldon channels his own father and threatens to give Howard something to cry about. Howard does not laugh. I did.
On the ride back, Sheldon asks if he can drive the car for a bit since they are out in the middle of nowhere without traffic. Howard obliges and hands the wheel to his friend. Sheldon beams as Howard gives him a couple of “attaboys” and a friendly punch to the arm for a job well done. The entire mood softens when Sheldon claims that Howard’s son is going to be so lucky to have him as a father. He’s a good teacher. Then Sheldon slams on the gas, gives Howard the ride of his life, and when the policeman pulls him over for speeding, he tells the officer he can keep the license since he won’t ever be using it again.
Theoretical Laughter
PENNY: We’ve been talking a lot lately.
LEONARD: Is she sick of talking to the magic mirror on the wall?
